Final answer:
Prior to the HITECH provisions, BAs were not held to the same standards as covered entities under HIPAA. The HITECH provisions made BAs directly liable for complying with certain HIPAA rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to enactment of the HITECH provisions, Business Associates (BAs) were not held to the same standards as covered entities under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). BAs did not have the same legal responsibilities and obligations as entities such as healthcare providers and insurance companies in protecting patient information.
Under the HITECH provisions, which were enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, BAs became directly liable for complying with certain HIPAA rules. This meant that they were now required to adhere to stricter security and privacy measures to protect patient information.
For example, BAs are now required to have written agreements in place with covered entities that outline their responsibilities regarding patient information and data breaches. BAs also have to implement safeguards to protect electronic health information and report any breaches to the covered entity.